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Addiction

Teenage Cannabis Use vs. Cognition and Brain Development: THC vs. CBD (Toxicology Data)

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Photoreal illustration of an adolescent brain with overlay of cannabis molecules and cognitive metrics, conveying developmental neurocognitive impact.

Studies of adolescent cannabis effects on cognition have been limited by self-report and confounding. A 2026 longitudinal study by Wade and colleagues uses the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) cohort with both self-report and biological toxicology, separating THC and CBD effects on developing cognition.1 Research Highlights Adolescence is a critical window for cognitive maturation, with …

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Ketamine Addiction After One Therapeutic Dose: How Rare Is It?

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Stylized illustration evoking the tension between ketamine's clinical promise for depression and its abuse liability, framed in muted rose and amber tones for the addiction topic.

Ketamine and its S-enantiomer esketamine (sold as Spravato) are now established treatments for treatment-resistant depression and acute suicidality. The standard safety pitch from sponsors and clinics: at single sub-anesthetic doses, in supervised settings, addiction risk is minimal. A new case report in BJPsych Open documents a patient for whom that pitch failed catastrophically — and …

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Alcohol & Brain Volume in Older Adults: Cortical Thinning & White Matter Loss in Heavy Drinkers (250g/Week) (2023 Study)

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Alcohol’s effects on the brain, especially among the elderly, have long been a subject of scientific inquiry. A recent study from Gothenburg, Sweden, provides new insights into how varying levels of alcohol consumption impact brain structure in individuals aged 70 and over. This research sheds light on the relationship between alcohol intake and the aging …

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Internet Addiction Linked to 5-HT2A Receptor Polymorphism: Serotonin HTR2A Gene rs6313 (2024 Study)

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In the digital age, Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) emerges as a complex interplay of technology, psychology, and genetics. This intricate relationship underscores the need for a multidisciplinary approach to understanding and addressing IAD. A recent study analyzed the genetic underpinnings of internet addiction and discovered a strong link with the serotonin 2A receptor gene (HTR2A) …

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Non-Medical Fentanyl Use: Drug Addiction Insights (2024 Review)

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Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid exponentially stronger than morphine, has transitioned from an unwanted contaminant in the illicit drug market to a sought-after substance among people who use drugs (PWUD). This shift underscores a critical change in drug use patterns, motivations, and the associated demographic and socioeconomic factors contributing to its rising preference. Highlights: Fentanyl’s Potency: …

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